The prime minister commented on the violent incidents in recent demonstrations and the threats against him and his family: "Calls on everyone to lower the flames and maintain public order" • He added: "Yair Lapid encourages groups of anarchists to disrupt public discourse", Lapid responded: "We have finished being afraid of you "
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded today (Wednesday) in a statement he published and refers to all last night's events - the demonstration that got out of control in Tel Aviv and the attack on the demonstrators afterwards, along with threats against him, led by a 31-year-old suspect arrested near the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem last night.
President Rivlin responds to incidents of violence // Photo: Avi Kenner
"The investigation into the incident in Tel Aviv is in progress. I expect the police to investigate the truth and bring to justice those responsible. There is no room for violence for any reason," Netanyahu wrote. "Equally, there is no room for incitement and threats of murder - explicit and implicit - against me and my family, including the shameful threat of crucifixion today in Tel Aviv."
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In a post on his Twitter account, President Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin wrote: "I want to say clearly in light of the violent developments in the last day: the murder of a protester who went to protest in the State of Israel and the murder of an Israeli prime minister are not imaginary scenarios."
Afterwards, Netanyahu chose to accuse Yair Lapid, chairman of Yesh Atid, of inciting passion: "One of them, Yair Lapid, like Ehud Barak, even encourages groups of anarchists whose goal is to violate public order and undermine the foundations of Israeli society. I expect from everyone a uniform standard: to condemn violence as it is and incitement as it is. On the evening of Tisha B'Av, I call on everyone to lower the flames and maintain public order. It is time to unite. We all have a common mission - to defeat the corona. We will only succeed if we work together. "
Yair Lapid responded to the prime minister's remarks, saying: "Netanyahu, we have finished being afraid of you. Yes, I encourage the demonstrators. Yes, the people of Yesh Atid are part of the demonstrations. Yes, we will continue to fight the hatred and venom you scatter around you until we get you out of Balfour."
Documentation: Protesters were beaten during a protest in Tel Aviv // Photo: Ben Netzer
Deputy Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bnei Gantz also referred to the events: “Last night a red line was crossed, while civilians exercising their right to protest, they were attacked by organized crime gangs. As Minister of Defense and as a member of the government, I insist that the right to demonstrate be preserved, and that the security of the citizens be guaranteed wherever it is. We must not go over the incidents of violence in silence. "
"I call on the Prime Minister and all members of the government to condemn and, no less important, to do so. Democracy is examined in times of crisis, a government is examined in times like these. I, the Prime Minister and all ministers must listen and correct. "In order to make sure that the acts are treated, cut off and whoever sows free hatred, incites and harms civilians, he will be punished."
Ariel Kahana, Yuri Yalon, Daniel Roth Avnery and Efrat Forsher participated in the preparation of the article.